The New Gucci Gulch*
The WaPo takes a look at Straightalk McMaverick's lobbyist problem:
Over the past week, McCain has publicly purged his ranks of several advisers who have lobbied for countries and corporations in an attempt to retain his reputation as a reformer on questions of ethics and influence in Washington. But several former lobbyists, including campaign manager Rick Davis and political strategist Charles R. Black Jr., remain as top advisers.[...]
On Sunday, the new rules ensnared McCain's top finance chief, former congressman Tom Loeffler (Tex.), who became the fifth adviser to publicly leave the campaign because of ties to lobbying or outside political groups. Former senator Phil Gramm (Tex.), another top McCain adviser, officially delisted himself as a registered lobbyist on April 18 so that he could stay with the campaign, records show.
The policy leaves in place Davis and Black, both of whom have had lucrative careers as lobbyists and campaign operatives. Black said he has retired as a partner at BKSH & Associates, a Washington lobbying firm. A spokeswoman said Davis has taken a complete leave of absence from Davis Manafort, his lobbying firm. Both are "in compliance" with McCain's new policy, the campaign said.
This would be the same Charlie Black who lobbies from the "Straightalk Express" itself. I guess that's "in compliance" with with the new policy.
I spoke too soon:
McCain's policy leaves the door open to lobbyists who serve as volunteers as long as they do not lobby him or his staff. Several who were contacted Monday said they are "in compliance" with the policy, including Bonilla and fundraiser Wayne Berman, a lobbyist with Ogilvy Government Relations.
Of course, all of those lobbyist "volunteers" could end up running parts of the federal government in a McCain administration. That's pretty enticing.
Top aides said the idea is to ensure that McCain is not distracted by controversies surrounding his advisers and fundraisers.
Mission accomplished!
"The most interesting thing in every campaign is the self-inflicted wound. This is a great case," said one GOP fundraiser, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss McCain's campaign decisions candidly.
I reckon we'll be seeing many more self-inflicted wounds. Yay!
They noted that "just a few years ago when Barack Obama was beginning his career in politics he was launching it at the home of William Ayers, an unrepentant domestic terrorist who his chief strategist said Senator Obama was certainly friendly with."
That's a really peachy non-sequitor. And it indicates that they don't have a good response.
Hit 'em again, Barack!
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